Council elections

The University Council is the peak governing body of the University and includes two student elected members: one undergraduate student and one graduate student.

Notice of Ballot

Nominations have now closed for the election of one graduate student member to the University Council for a term of office from 1 December 2026 until 30 November 2028. More than one eligible nomination was received by close of nominations on 12pm on Friday 18 September 2026 and an electronic ballot will be held.

  • Ballot opens: 12pm Monday 19 October 2026
  • Ballot closes: 12pm Thursday 22 October 2026

Candidates

Candidates’ election statements will be made available here in due course.

Election Campaign Conduct

Election Campaign Conduct Guidelines have been published and will be shared with candidates. Candidates are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and in a manner consistent with the standards of the University community and with University policies and guidance. Campaigning is permitted only during the ballot period.

Voting

All graduate students enrolled in an award course at the University of Melbourne are eligible to vote. Eligible students will receive an email with a link to the online voting platform when voting opens at 12pm Monday 19 October 2026. If you believe you’re eligible but don't receive an email at that time, please contact uni-elections@unimelb.edu.au as soon as possible.

The University’s Elections Policy (MPF1146) and the Council Regulation apply to this election. This pack provides information on Council members' responsibilities, Council Committees, the Council Charter and an overview of University governance.

Further information is provided in the FAQs below.

Dr Nancy Huggett
University Secretary and Returning Officer
uni-elections@unimelb.edu.au

Students were eligible to nominate if they:

  • were a graduate student enrolled in an award course at the University of Melbourne
  • had at least 12 months of expected enrolment from the date of the election to complete their award course
  • satisfied the fit and proper person requirements specified by TEQSA

Eligible students nominated by completing and submitting an online form before the close of nominations at 12pm Friday 18 September 2026.

Students who may have been eligible to nominate received an email with a link to the online nomination form.

Nominations included a TEQSA Fit and Proper Person Requirements Declaration.

Candidates had the option to include a candidate statement of up to 200 words and a photo with their nomination.

Late nominations were not accepted.

Students are eligible to vote if they are a graduate student enrolled in an award course at the University of Melbourne.

Candidates are expected to conduct themselves with integrity and in a manner consistent with the standards of the University community and with University policies and guidance. Election Campaign Conduct Guidelines set out further information. Campaigning is only permitted during the ballot period.

The University Council welcomes and values student perspectives among its membership. The standard term of a student elected member of Council is two years.

The University of Melbourne Act 2009 (Vic) establishes the Council as the governing body of the University.

Council has the general direction and superintendence of the University; and subject to the Act, the university statutes and university regulations, may exercise all the powers, functions and duties of the University. The primary responsibilities of the Council set out in s8(3) of the Act are to:

  • Appoint and monitor the performance of the Vice-Chancellor
  • Approve the mission and strategic direction of the University, annual budget and business plan
  • Oversee and review the management of the University and its performance
  • Establish policy and procedural principles
  • Approve and monitor systems of control and accountability (overview of controlled entities)
  • Oversee and monitor the assessment of risk across the University, including commercial activities
  • Oversee and monitor the academic activities of the University
  • Approve any significant university commercial activities

This pack provides information on Council members' responsibilities, Council Committees, the Council Charter and an overview of University governance.